So I've had my personal cricut for 2 months now and like it a lot, but now I want the Expression. Should I buy it this week at joins ($229.99) or wait till the Expression 2 comes out?

catxnmks

02-15-2011 08:33 AM

Oops--Joann's, not joins!

Sheena74

02-15-2011 08:38 AM

Wal-Mart sells them at regular price for less then that.

Sheena

Lazorkay

02-15-2011 09:07 AM

I have the Expression and love it! However, with a new one coming out, I would wait and see the new one.

sami02usc

02-15-2011 09:44 AM

Getting in on the ground level of this one :)

Lazorkay

02-15-2011 09:45 AM

HA - Hi Sami :)

Crafter 4 Life

02-15-2011 10:12 AM

I, too, would wait to see the specs on the new Expression. If there is a new edition coming out, the price for the original Expression with go way down. If you can wait and decide that the E2 doesn't do that much 'more' or not enough to warrant your purchasing it, the original E will be at the lowered price.

But who am I to give advice, bought the Create because I make mostly cards but got the into making favor boxes and 'had' to have the Expression because the Create could not make large enough containers.

Enjoy both machines - take the Create to classes because my friend takes her Expression and let's me use it if the image is too big for my Create.

There are always sales for machines at really good prices. I, for one, don't like to buy a 'package deal' because I want to chose the accessories I know I will use - cartridges, embossing folders, tool kits, etc.

Hope you enjoy using your machine - whichever you choose!

jthoman

02-15-2011 10:20 AM

subbing...

jennunder

02-15-2011 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catxnmks
(Post 17958486)

So I've had my personal cricut for 2 months now and like it a lot, but now I want the Expression. Should I buy it this week at joins ($229.99) or wait till the Expression 2 comes out?

I found my Aqua Expression with two carts, 12x12 mat and blade at Wal-Mart a couple of months ago on clearance for $150. I figured it was a really good deal and probably wouldn't feel guilty if I wanted to purchase the Expression 2in a couple of years when it comes down in price. :)

catxnmks

02-15-2011 03:04 PM

My walmart has those colored cricut expressions in the clearance section for $198.00. Are they the same as the tan machines?

superjen

02-16-2011 04:25 AM

subbing

Shell

02-16-2011 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catxnmks
(Post 17959789)

My walmart has those colored cricut expressions in the clearance section for $198.00. Are they the same as the tan machines?

Yes, they are the same - just in 'designer' colors. :)

Iluvcards

02-16-2011 06:37 AM

subbing....

tarponnancy

02-16-2011 03:22 PM

sub

lindsaymay

02-17-2011 07:29 AM

hi everyone!

jan31

02-17-2011 09:52 AM

I love my cricut expression but when I saw that they were bringing a new one out that cuts everything I thought oh no I want one but then reading about it, well, not sure it will do more than the one I`ve got so will be watching with interest when it comes out.

bklyngal62

02-18-2011 04:57 AM

subbing

ctreach

02-19-2011 02:56 PM

Subbing, thanks for all the information!

2CuteCats

02-19-2011 06:20 PM

subbing

jennunder

02-20-2011 03:53 PM

I have a question for those of you who use SCAL. I recently purchased SCAL and am working on 120 table favors for a Benefit Auction and the Theme is the Wizard of OZ, so I am cutting out Ruby Slippers. I found a picture on the web, traced it in SCAL, and filled a 12x12 page with the image. I then started cutting at high speed and it is cutting the slowest it has ever cut. It has finished only 3 rows of shoes in 30 min. What did I do wrong? What can I do to speed up the cutting process? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

lindsaymay

02-21-2011 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennunder
(Post 17979843)

I have a question for those of you who use SCAL. I recently purchased SCAL and am working on 120 table favors for a Benefit Auction and the Theme is the Wizard of OZ, so I am cutting out Ruby Slippers. I found a picture on the web, traced it in SCAL, and filled a 12x12 page with the image. I then started cutting at high speed and it is cutting the slowest it has ever cut. It has finished only 3 rows of shoes in 30 min. What did I do wrong? What can I do to speed up the cutting process? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Jennunder. The speed has nothing to do with SCAL, nor will changing the dial on the cricut have any effect. It has to do with their being too many nodes in the design. What I would do is download the free program inkscape (Inkscape. Draw Freely.) and open the svg, select the arrow tool at the upper left sidebar, click path and simplify. That will reduce the node and make it cut faster:)

If you have trouble send me the file and I'll have a look: artstudiosofbangor AT yahoo DOT com

good luck:)

Shell

02-21-2011 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindsaymay
(Post 17983243)

Hi Jennunder. The speed has nothing to do with SCAL, nor will changing the dial on the cricut have any effect. It has to do with their being too many nodes in the design. What I would do is download the free program inkscape (Inkscape. Draw Freely.) and open the svg, select the arrow tool at the upper left sidebar, click path and simplify. That will reduce the node and make it cut faster:)

If you have trouble send me the file and I'll have a look: artstudiosofbangor AT yahoo DOT com

good luck:)

That function is also available IN SCAL. You can simplify the nodes without leaving the program.

jennunder

02-22-2011 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindsaymay
(Post 17983243)

Hi Jennunder. The speed has nothing to do with SCAL, nor will changing the dial on the cricut have any effect. It has to do with their being too many nodes in the design. What I would do is download the free program inkscape (Inkscape. Draw Freely.) and open the svg, select the arrow tool at the upper left sidebar, click path and simplify. That will reduce the node and make it cut faster:)

If you have trouble send me the file and I'll have a look: artstudiosofbangor AT yahoo DOT com

good luck:)

Thank you for the information. I will give it a try.

jennunder

02-22-2011 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shell
(Post 17984105)

That function is also available IN SCAL. You can simplify the nodes without leaving the program.

Can you explain how you do it in SCAL? I would love to know!

cerridwen3301

02-22-2011 04:47 AM

hi all subbing in on the ground floor so to speak! i have had my cricut for more than 4 years and am a die hard cricut junkie. i have my original baby bug, an expression, a cake, an Imagine and will be getting the E2 as soon as it is released :P i know bad right!

for those wondering about the E2 - two major differences to consider versus the expression. one is the fact that you don't need the overlays anymore. it has a touch screen instead much like the Imagine - this is HUGE - it makes it SO much nicer and easier to use. you can choose all different styles and creative features at once and cut at once. second is the actual cutting. they made some drastic improvements in the cutting with the Imagine and I am told the E2 will have this improvement as well.

on the other hand the original expressions will likely go WAY down in price when the E2 hits the shelves so that might be the way to go for some folks. i don't remember the date they said it would be out though....

Shell

02-22-2011 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennunder
(Post 17986151)

Can you explain how you do it in SCAL? I would love to know!

Sure! I will write up the instructions and post them in a bit (I'm on my phone at the moment.).

eels

02-22-2011 11:22 PM

Not sure if I'm in the correct place for this question:
I have only just started to delve into the realm of Cricut and I'm now confused about the different models there are. Wondering which one would be more suitable for my needs.

I don't do scrapbooking in any shape or form, only cardmaking. I have a Cuttlebug with the associated dies and embossing folders etc and this is serving me well at this time however in the interests of spending money and keeping the economy alive and well I thought I might invest in a cutting system........question is, which model?

Would appreciate any input please.

diecutDiva

02-22-2011 11:37 PM

which cricut best for you

Probably the expression over the orginal or create, BECAUSE if you are a cardmaker you are not limited by the small sizes only available on the orginal or create, The sky is the limit on the Expression, so I would go with that. Especially if you like to make other items, like tags, bags and boxes, they come out alot smaller on the smaller machine.........because of size contraints.

Crafter 4 Life

02-23-2011 07:48 AM

I agree with the OP - if you can afford the Expression, buy it. I, also, make mostly cards so bought the Create first but soon upgraded to the E. Besides, making larger items, the mat size is larger so you can place you paper anywhere on the mat and keep cutting. If you have a Gypsy, you can plan all the images you will need to complete your project and just instruct the machine to 'cut' once.

Good luck and have fun with whichever machine you decide to buy.

catxnmks

02-23-2011 02:47 PM

I thought the original cricut would be best for me since I make mostly cards, but soon realized that I should've bought the expression. The original cricut cuts from 1 inch to 5 1/2 inches and the Expression cuts down to 1/4 inch to 11 1/2 inches. Even though I've had my cricut for less than 3 months I will buy the Expression soon,

jennunder

02-23-2011 06:12 PM

I have had my original Cricut for 3 yrs. and just this Christmas decided to purchase the Expression. Like the other gals have said, I love having a larger mat size to work with and I found mine at Wal-Mart for only $150, so I figured that was a great deal. With the E2 coming out soon they will probably go lower in price even yet.

Shayshe

02-27-2011 11:31 AM

I know this is a tough question but what is your favorite Cricut cartridge?

Sheena74

02-27-2011 12:25 PM

Storybook by far is my fav.
I Like alot of my Carts but this one is the I ull out the most.

Sheena

sami02usc

02-27-2011 12:28 PM

I am so boring, my go to is still george and basic shapes

superjen

02-27-2011 01:45 PM

I'm a newbie. Loving Destinations. I've already made a several awesome cards with it. Looking forward to hearing what others say.

lindsaymay

02-28-2011 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shayshe
(Post 18012003)

I know this is a tough question but what is your favorite Cricut cartridge?

I think doodlecharms is one of the best and most versitile if you like cute:)

Stoybook is pretty but I don't uses it nearly as much as I thought I would.

Opposites Attract is great because ytou get a block and script font but if you have scal or MTC you probably do not need it, I like it to use on my gypsy at crops tho!

and yes, George (hate the font!) but the basic shapes are soooooo useful!

Shayshe

03-05-2011 06:49 PM

I wish George had come with my machine. I haven't been able to find it anywhere but E-bay and I don't do the bidding thing.
Thanks for the input ladies.

jennunder

03-06-2011 01:29 PM

Like a lot of the others have said, my favorite is the Storybook Cartridge. I also like the A Child's Year cartridge too for the neat silohettes and font. Since purchasing SCAL in Sept. I haven't used my cartridges all that much lately. I am having a lot of fun downloading pictures, tracing and cutting them out. I just finished making 180 lollipop Ruby Slipper favors and 33 Munchkin tags for a benefit auction using the SCAL program. Here are some photos on how they turned out.